Best time to visit Louisiana

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Louisiana

Best time of year to visit Louisiana

March through May and September through November are the best times to visit Louisiana, offering mild temps, moderate crowds, and acceptable prices. Spring might be rainy and stormy, but generally the weather is comfortable, with ample sunshine, blooming flowers, and spectacular Easter parades. Fall in the state is all about long days full of glorious sunshine, warm temps, and things to do outdoors. Moreover, the foliage is at its peak, and a lot of attractions like the Louisiana State Fair are so appealing. June through August is not the best time in terms of weather. Expect unbearable heat and humidity with intensive rainfall and possible thunderstorms. Only a cooling Sno-Ball can make your presence on the beach halfway agreeable. 4th of July celebrations and the Red Dress Run add up to the seasonal advantages. December through February brings short cold days, freezing nights, and low hotel rates, making Louisiana heaven for budget travelers. So dress warmly and join the Lafayette Mardi Gras Celebration in February.

12 THINGS TO DO IN LOUISIANA (APRIL 11 - APRIL 20)

Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival

Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival

April 12-14, 2024 • event

The largest free berry festival in Louisiana

Shrimps

Shrimps

April–February • food

Although available year-round frozen shrimps are nothing like fresh white and brown ones!

Plantation Pilgrimage

Plantation Pilgrimage

September–November | March–May • activity

If you are in New Orleans or Baton Rouge, you just can't miss seeing the old plantations!

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds

late February–early October • nature

Your backyard could become the "first port in the storm" for these tiny fellows having just flown hundreds of miles above the open waters

Crawfish Season

Crawfish Season

December—July  • food

It's crawfish time! Definitely the most important food season in New Orleans

Baltimore Oriole

Baltimore Oriole

April–September • nature

Attracted by fruits and nectar, these birds are often spotted in the gardens

Oysters

Oysters

November–April • food

Although Louisiana oysters are available year round, best time are the cooler months

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge

all year round • activity

The world's longest continious bridge over a body of water

Sno-Ball

Sno-Ball

March–October  • food

Sno-ball, not snow cone, is New Orleans' favourite armour against the long summer heat

Azaleas

Azaleas

March–April • nature

Enjoy the beautiful pinkish flowers blooming during this period

Hiking

Hiking

September–May • activity

Marshes, forests and bayous—there's a lot to explore around New Orleans

Louisiana Iris

Louisiana Iris

April • nature

A symbol of beauty, this flower even has a Krewe named after it

47 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

New Orleans Red Dress Run

New Orleans Red Dress Run

out of rangeAugust 12, 2023 • event

A flamboyant run in red dresses accompanied by great music and plenty of beer

World Naked Bike Ride

World Naked Bike Ride

unconfirmedJune 10, 2023 • event

New Orleans has been taking part in the World Naked Bike Ride since 2009

Mudbug Madness Festival

Mudbug Madness Festival

out of rangeMay 24-26, 2024 • event

One of the biggest and most popular Cajun festivals in Louisiana

Louisiana Crawfish Festival

Louisiana Crawfish Festival

out of rangeMarch 21–24, 2024 • event

A delicious showcase of Cajun cuisine and seafood

4th of July Weekend Events & Fireworks

4th of July Weekend Events & Fireworks

out of rangeJuly 3–July 4 • event

The Big Easy City is great at celebrating! Summers here are hot, and so are the festivities

Voodoo Music + Arts Experience

Voodoo Music + Arts Experience

on holdOctober 2023 • event

The loudest of Halloween events in New Orleans

Comic Con New Orleans

Comic Con New Orleans

out of rangeJanuary 5–7, 2024 • event

The largest popular culture event in Louisiana

Krewe of Boo Halloween Parade

Krewe of Boo Halloween Parade

out of rangeOctober 19, 2024 • event

New Orleans would never miss a chance to dress up and party

State Fair of Louisiana

State Fair of Louisiana

out of rangeOctober 26–November 12, 2023 • event

Dancing poodles, rodeo and other traditional entertainment

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras

out of rangeFebruary 13, 2024 • event

The festival that has made New Orleans famous!

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

out of rangeMarch 16–17, 2024 • event

New Orleans changes the perceptions of St. Patrick's Day celebration

Washington Parish Free Fair

Washington Parish Free Fair

out of rangeOctober 16-20, 2024 • event

The largest free fair and rodeo in America

Southwest Louisiana Hot Air Balloon and Kite Festival

Southwest Louisiana Hot Air Balloon and Kite Festival

unconfirmedJune / October 2024 • event

One of the largest ballooning events in the state

Easter Parades

Easter Parades

out of rangeMarch 31, 2024 • event

For New Orleanians, Easter is a special time with more parades!

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

out of rangeApril 25-May 5, 2024 • event

One of a kind celebration of the unique culture and heritage of New Orleans and Louisiana with a true jazz spirit

Louisiana Renaissance Festival

Louisiana Renaissance Festival

out of rangeNovember 2–December 8, 2024 (weekends only) • event

One great adventure with a theater, a theme park, and an educational experience

NOLA ChristmasFest

NOLA ChristmasFest

out of rangeDecember 21 - December 30 • event

Get into Christmas spirit, meet Santa and celebrate winter in New Orleans

Krewe of Jingle Parade

Krewe of Jingle Parade

on holdDecember 7, 2019 • event

The official New Orleans holiday parade delights locals and visitors

New Year in New Orleans

New Year in New Orleans

out of rangeDecember 31–January 1 • event

Fleur De Lis drop and a fireworks display over the Mississippi on New Year's Eve and college football on New Year's Day—New Orleans knows how to celebrate in style

Lafayette Mardi Gras

Lafayette Mardi Gras

out of rangeFebruary 2–3, 2024 | February 9–13, 2024 • event

The flamboyant and authentic carnival of Southern Louisiana

Natchitoches Christmas Festival

Natchitoches Christmas Festival

out of rangeNovember 18–January 6 • event

Treat yourself to the oldest community-based holiday lights display in America

Tennessee Williams Literary Festival

Tennessee Williams Literary Festival

out of rangeMarch 20-24, 2024 • event

Even if you are not a fan of literature, nothing in New Orleans is ever boring!

NOLA Holiday Lights

NOLA Holiday Lights

out of rangelate November–early January • event

Yet another reason to celebrate in New Orleans

4th of July Fireworks in Baton Rouge

4th of July Fireworks in Baton Rouge

out of rangeJuly 4 • event

Dress your best red, white, and blue, and come to salute Independence with fireworks on the river!

Greater Baton Rouge State Fair

Greater Baton Rouge State Fair

out of rangeOctober 26–November 5, 2023 • event

Family event with over 50 years of history and a social mission

Southern Decadance

Southern Decadance

out of rangeAugust 31–September 4, 2023 • event

Known as Gay Mardi Gras, the festival is extravagant and joyful

Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights

out of rangemid-November–early January • event

The best and the brightest displays in the Pelican State

Halloween Parade

Halloween Parade

out of rangeOctober 28, 2023 • event

One of the most popular fall events in Louisiana

Swamp Tours

Swamp Tours

out of rangeMay–October (all year round)  • activity

The most exciting and easy way to discover Louisiana's famous swamps and bayous

New Year's Eve in Baton Rouge

New Year's Eve in Baton Rouge

out of rangeDecember 31–January 1 • event

Baton Rouge blends a traditional year-end party with a local version of the midnight ball drop

Red River Balloon Rally

Red River Balloon Rally

unconfirmedJuly 12-13, 2024 • event

The largest hot air balloon festival in North Louisiana

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo

out of rangeMay 5 • event

A great excuse to party and indulge in delicious Mexican foods

Chennault International Airshow

Chennault International Airshow

out of rangeMay 19–21, 2023 • event

Behold the thrilling performances by the US Blue Angels and other fabled jets

Satchmo SummerFest

Satchmo SummerFest

out of rangeAugust 5–6, 2023 • event

A birthday party of a founding father of jazz—Louis Satchmo Armstrong

Whooping Cranes

Whooping Cranes

out of rangeOctober 1–February 28 • nature

The tallest and one of the rarest birds in North America

Hammond Northshore Regional Airshow

Hammond Northshore Regional Airshow

out of rangeOctober 21–22, 2023 • event

A memorable getaway for the whole family!

Rubber Duck Derby

Rubber Duck Derby

out of rangeMay 13, 2023 • event

Thousands of rubber ducks race for the grand prize of $5000

Lake Charles Mardi Gras

Lake Charles Mardi Gras

out of rangeFebruary 13, 2024 • event

A family-friendly celebration with plenty of parades and delicious food

Louisiana Comic Con

Louisiana Comic Con

out of rangeMarch 9-10, 2024 • event

The annual fan convention at Cajundome

Lousiana Pirate Festival

Lousiana Pirate Festival

unconfirmedearly May • event

One of the best pirate festivals in the United States

Mardi Gras King Cake

Mardi Gras King Cake

out of rangeJanuary 6–Ash Wednesday • food

The tasty and extraordinary colourful King cake to sooth your party

Wild Alligator

Wild Alligator

out of rangeSeptember • food

Farm raised alligator is available all year, but it is also more expensive than the wild alligator, available only during this period

Rock 'n' Roll Marathon

Rock 'n' Roll Marathon

out of rangeMarch 4–5, 2023 • event

What can be better than running accompanied by live bands and plenty of other entertainment?

Louisiana Marathon

Louisiana Marathon

out of rangeJanuary 18-19, 2025 • event

A fast and flat race followed by a vibrant Louisiana-style celebration

Red, White and Blue Airshow

Red, White and Blue Airshow

out of rangeMay 3-5, 2024 • event

Spectacular aeronautic performances and static aircraft displays

Defenders of Liberty Air Show

Defenders of Liberty Air Show

out of rangeMarch 25–26, 2023 • event

A weekend packed with amazing displays at the premier strategic bomber base

New Orleans Memorial Day Weekend Events

New Orleans Memorial Day Weekend Events

out of rangeMay 24–27, 2024 • event

Welcome summer in The Crescent City with an array of fun-filled activities

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